Tomorrow

Tomorrow evening, this is what I will get to see. I can't wait to see my family and it will be wonderful to be back in my country! Praise the Lord for amazing opportunities and experiences in life!

Missions

Last Wednesday was the last field trip for the History of the Modern State of Israel class. We toured Jerusalem, focusing on important places from 1940s to present. It was amazing to see so many more new sites despite all of the field trips we already had in the city. I love studying history and seeing how God has worked through lands, people, and time to perform His will. Knowing so much about Israel has made me want to study my own country more too. (Considering that is what I have to teach about to my students, I guess that is a good thing). Another thing that I really appreciated seeing was the work of evangelical missions in the country. My grandparents were on the mission field for a number of years working with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. It was fun to see their footprints in Jerusalem. (I don't know if you can read it on the photo above, but the sign says, "Jerusalem Alliance Church Ministry Center" with the C&MA logo). At the end of the day, we spent time in the Mahanae Yehudah outdoor market. I love it there. All the sounds, colors, and smells; the people and the bartering. The festive atmosphere just before Hanukkah - the sufganiyot (doughnuts)...Wow.

After being in another country so many months, seeing the people who live here so lost, falling so short of the mark, I understand the importance of mission work even more. That's not to say that I don't have compassion for the lost in my own hometown too, but I think I have grown hard against it. Sometimes it seems as if nothing will ever change and people only get worse, which is true. But that doesn't mean that I should stop sharing the gospel just because I think that will never change. Praise the Lord for the people in my life who didn't give up on me. May I be faithful and bold to share the love of the Lord with whomever, whenever, wherever I may be. On the other hand, it has been a huge blessing to see the fruit of the work of believers who have been faithful to their calling. Fellowshiping with other believers from many countries, many languages, many cultures, and many different backgrounds has been amazing! What a privilege to "get outside the box" and see the body of Christ meet together all over the world. Continue to pray for the people that are still so far from the Lord all over the globe. Pray that there would be willing souls to go and work with them, encourage them, and teach them what we are so greatly blessed to already know. Pray that the Lord will do a work in the hearts of His own people, that they may come to a saving faith in Him.

Thanksgiving Day

Turkey to Turkey

I never thought that one day I would visit Turkey, but I did. Last month (it is already December here in Israel as I write this) I went to Istanbul for a week, partially for interest reasons (like traveling, seeing other parts of the world) and partly because I just needed to renew my visa. All in all, I had a great time with my friend, Marlyse.

Istanbul is a unique city. It is the only city in the world on two different continents, Europe and Asia. We were in the Old City of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, on the European side. We spent all of our time seeing the major attractions there: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, the Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient, the Grand Bazaar, and many more. It was so much fun to see a different world and culture. One thing I realized though, was how much I love exactly who and how God made me and where He has placed me on this earth. Sometime if you ask me, I will tell you all about my feelings on international travel with my specific name.

Just after we came back, we had the wonderful privilege of celebrating an American holiday...Thanksgiving! We did so with: 50 of our closest friends, real American, non-Kosher cuisine, a Thanksgiving service, and football! What a great time it was! In the afternoon, however, we remembered where we were (in Israel) and hiked to the Adullum caves, where David hid from Saul thousands of years ago. In the evening, we all got together for leftovers and bacon (from the States) - lettuce - tomato - and avacado sandwiches. Who could ask for a better day?

My heart is so full of things that I am thankful to the Lord for. Is there ever any way we can truly express how much we are grateful for? I am looking forward to a lifetime of trying. What a wonderful God we serve!